Nemaha Valley Basketball

2006

Originally uploaded by nvteklib

Fourth Row (Left to Right): Coach Thomas, Justin, Kerry, James, Anthony, Jeff, Coach Pfeifer
Third Row (Left to Right): Jason, Brad,Todd, Drew, Adam, Jake
Second Row (Left to Right): Brad, Pat, Kevin, Stefan, Brett, Jesse, Kurt
First Row (Left to Right): Jeff, Blake, Lance, Travis

2005

Originally uploaded by nvteklib

Fourth Row (Left to Right): Brett, Anthony, Neil, James, Kerry, Jeff, Justin
Third Row (Left to Right): Craig, Brad, Ryan, Charlie, Drew, Kurt
Second Row (Left to Right): Jeff, Brad, Jason , Travis , Blake, Brad
First Row (Left to Right): Assistant Coach: Larry Pfeifer, Mike, Jeremy , Colin, Jonathan, Head Coach: Jon Thomas

2004

Originally uploaded by nvteklib

Front row: (left to right) Jason, Mike, Adrian Jonathan, Brad Todd, Phil, Brad
Second row: Tyler, Kelly, Brett, Jeremy, Colin, Charlie
Back Row: Coach Jon Thomas, Kerry, Ryan, James , Adam , Steve, Coach Larry Pfeiffer

Stepping Forward
By Collin Olberding

Coming in to the 2003-2004 basketball season the expectations were not set high for the Raider Basketball team. In the pre-season polls the Raiders were picked to finish anywhere from fifth to last in the Big Seven League. In return, the Raiders had much to prove to the league as well as others.

The Raider team was known for the relentless effort that they showed day in and day out. The team was always willing to work hard and be very coachable.

The Raiders first game was at Wamego. Many questions by fans and members of the team would be answered after this game. The Raiders ended up losing by 20, but didn’t let the loss get to them.

“I felt that the Wamego game wasn’t a true measure of out abilities. I felt that we worked hard to overcome the adversities face in the basketball team,” Coach Jon Thomas, said.

The team bounced back and ended up winning league with a record of 10-4. Throughout the season the Raiders faced much adversity, as they bounced around the league standings. But each teammate stuck to the fundamentals that brought them success. At the end of the season they came out league champs.

The 2003-2004 season was filled with many exciting moments. The Raiders are out to accomplish even more next year, and are determined to do so.

2003

Originally uploaded by nvteklib

Top Row: Coach Thomas, Jeremy, Adam, Jeremy, Chris Lewis, Jeremy, Coach Pfeifer
Middle Row: Kelly Williams, Josh Lauer, Bryan Reinecke, Austin Carr,
Colin, Jeremy
Bottom Row: Phil, Jonathan, Mark,
Michael, Chad

In the past Raider Basketball teams have set the bar high for future Raider teams. This year the Raider Basketball team faced a lot of adversity, and not all the time did they overcome it. The season was like a roller coaster ride for the 2002-2003 Raider Basketball team. Although, there were many positives which came out of the season.

“The team had higher expectations for this season and we are disappointed with our overall record, but my teammates made it a memorable experience!” Mark, sr., said.

The Raiders faced many tough opponents throughout the season. They gave a good effort against the winners of the class 2A and 4A state tournament.

Although the seniors will be gone, the team is working towards next year in anticipation of a successful season.

02boys

Originally uploaded by nvteklib

Top Row: Head Coach Jon Thomas, David, Anthony, Curt, Korab, Kevin, Kevin Coach Larry Pfeifer
Middle Row: Phil, Michael, Jerem, Ryan, Austin, Mark
Front Row: Chad, Bryan, Adam, Josh, Jeremy, Kelly

Achieving goals as the year passes….
By Erica Roeder

Everyone has heard the saying, “if at first you don’t succeed, try again.” This saying fits the varsity boys’ basketball team perfectly. There were numerous downfalls this year, but everyone worked together to pull it off and accomplish the journey to state.

The year started off excellent, but then turned more challenging. During the team’s 0-5 losing streak, they looked upon the goals they set for motivation.

My goal for out team was to be a better defensive team than previous years.” Kevin Bergman, sr., said.

Not only did they become a better defensive team but, they succeeded in out rebounding their opponents by five every game and shooting one of the highest fee throw percentages. The squad held the opposing teams to an average of 46 points per game.

With their goals in mind, the team went into sub-state as the underdog and pulled off two big wins verse the first and second seeded teams. They then took the trip to stat and lost to Ventral Heights in the first round.

“I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to make it to state, it was an experience I will always remember.” Mark Olberding, jr., said.

2001

Originally uploaded by nvteklib

Front Row L-R: Calvin, Chad, Jeremy, Bryan, Kevin, Austin, Mark
Second Row L-R: Scott, David, Kellen, Alex , Tom , Anthony, Ryan .
Third Row L-R: Coach Thomas, Bryce, Kevin , Eric, Curt, Coach Bass, & Coach Pfiefer

As the seconds ticked away at the sub-state finals, the faces of the players told all. The two teams had met twice already in the season, with Nemaha Valley walking away with the victory both times. But, playing your archrival for the third time in a season and with a state tournament position at stake, hopes were at a high and the stands were at a maximum capacity.
“It was the toughest game of the year and in one of the toughest atmospheres we have experienced throughout this season and the seasons past,” said Kevin , jr.

With no starters returning from the previous year, there were many doubts among the fans, but the players held together for an enjoyable ride, winning the big seven league title and being named Raider Classic Champions. The season came to an abrupt stop when the Raiders faced a talented Sabetha team in the sub-state finals and suffered a tough loss.

“Our perimeter shooting, for a large portion of the season, was the most consistent during the past six seasons. This was the best three-point shooting team I have coached. This was also the best defensive team I have coached. We held our opponents to 46.6 points per game, which was the second best defensive effort in school history.” said Jon Thomas, Head Coach.

champs2

Originally uploaded by nvteklib

3rd 3A State